An official signal about serious violations in a social boarding school in the village of Varnetsi triggered a large-scale investigation by the public defender's institution. The report, based on information from UNICEF and the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, reveals an extremely disturbing picture of systematic abuse of the boys placed there.
Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva raised an alarm with key state institutions, including the acting Prosecutor General Boris Sarafov, Minister of Education Krasimir Valchev, and the chairperson of the State Agency for Child Protection Teodora Ivanova.
The documented testimonies reveal multiple forms of violence – physical, psychological, and sexual, committed both by staff and among the pupils themselves. Four children provided direct testimony about abuses, which served as grounds for an immediate on-site inspection.
During the inspection on July 24, extremely severe conditions were found. The temperature in the rooms reached 39 degrees, the bedding was heavily worn out, and the sanitary facilities were in a critical condition. The children were shaved "zero number", which creates associations with military barracks from the past century.
The educational aspect is particularly concerning. Conversations with boys from 6th and 7th grade revealed that they can practically not read or write, which calls into question the quality of the education provided.
The lack of psychological support is another significant problem. The children did not understand the nature of psychological help, and the only available specialist worked part-time as a teacher.
The Ombudsman made specific recommendations to various institutions. To the prosecution – to investigate the reported crimes, to the education ministry – to check the existing procedures, to the Social Assistance Agency – to take measures to support the children.
Delcheva firmly insists on closing the boarding school in the village of Varnetsi and developing an adequate plan to guarantee the rights of the children placed there. According to her, the existing model of special pedagogical boarding schools is completely ineffective and requires urgent reform.
A key proposal is to discontinue the children's stay in the institution before the end of the school year, as well as conduct multidisciplinary assessments for each pupil.
The Ombudsman's position is clear – a comprehensive transformation of the care system for children at risk is necessary to ensure their safety, education, and future.
The case raises serious questions for social institutions and calls for urgent actions to prevent further violations of children's rights.